Muhlbach Am Hochkönig

Mühlbach am Hochkönig is a traditional mining village at the foot of the Hochkönig massif (2,941m) in the Salzburg region of Austria - and the eastern gateway to one of the most satisfying ski circuits in the Alps. The Hochkönig ski region connects three villages (Mühlbach, Dienten, and Maria Alm) into a single ski area of 120km of pistes and 34 lifts, crowned by the Königstour - a 35km ski circuit across six peaks and 7,500m of altitude change that was voted the best ski circuit in the Alps in 2014. The views throughout are defined by the dramatic Hochkönig limestone massif and the Steinernes Meer ('Sea of Stone') - a stark, beautiful mountain landscape that gives every run a sense of scale.

The terrain is spread between 800m and 1,900m, with 52km of blue runs, 41km of reds, and 27km of blacks, plus 8km of ski routes. Mühlbach sits at the eastern end, providing access via the Karbachalmbahn gondola to the upper slopes and the start of the Königstour circuit. The Livingroom Snowpark in Mühlbach - a professionally shaped park with mirrors, live cams, and a sound system at the foot of the Mandlwände rock face - has a cult following among freestylers. The wider area has three terrain parks in total, including the impressive 1.8km Kings Park at the Kings Cab gondola (the first Austrian cable car with Wi-Fi) and the beginner-friendly Snowpark Natrun. The Hochkönig is also part of Ski amadé, giving lift pass holders access to 760km of pistes across five connected regions.

Mühlbach itself is a quiet, authentic village with a rich mining heritage - the Bergbaumuseum (mining museum) tells the story of centuries of ore extraction in the Hochkönig mountains. The village has traditional Gasthöfe, family-run hotels, and a pace of life that reflects genuine Salzburg mountain culture. The Culinary Königstour - a multi-course dining experience from hut to hut along the ski circuit - combines the skiing with regional food in a way that makes the Hochkönig stand out. The 13 herbal huts across the region serve traditional dishes prepared with local herbs. Oversized wooden thrones at the most scenic viewpoints invite you to pause, sit, and absorb the panorama.